David Craig or Dana Claire?

[The Donmeister]

Hi all!

I'm new to the site, but it seems you guys know a lot about DC Simpson, and there's something that's been bugging me for a while now.

In almost every place I've seen, Simpson is called "David Craig Simpson", but on both "Define Cynical" and "I Read This" Simpson is referred to as "she". I also found this page where Simpson is called "Dana Claire Simpson".

I have heard that Simpson has changed sex, but I can find nothing to prove this, as there is no mention of it anywhere on the net. If anyone could provide clarification about this (especially Simpson himself/herself), I would be very grateful.

[Burning Sheep Productions]

She portrays herself as female here: http://www.idrewthis.org/d/20061114.html
All other portrayals before that were male.

[santi]

I think he said he was going to stay as a male recently in the idrewthis forums...

[Richard K Niner]

I think he said he was going to stay as a male recently in the idrewthis forums...

Yeah, that's correct; he had second thoughts this past Halloween.

Anyways, you can read DC's most recent explanation here.

[The MAZZTer]

OK I think this is the right time to post my views on all this.

I never got the point of all this. Other than the obvious biological differences, the only thing that separates the two genders are societal preconceptions. I'm sure we've all seen those old B&W commercials where the man of the family is shown working hard to provide, while the woman is the homemaker, etc. Plus "real men never cry", etc. Social preconceptions can be defied WITHOUT stepping anywhere near the ethical ickyness that is homosexuality or sex-changing. This isn't really a GOOD example, but I saw this guy wearing a pink shirt with black lettering: "Tough guys wear pink." Hell yeah, I gotta get me one of those. And I am quite secure in my masculinity, thanks.

I am a "he" because I am a man biologically. Such pronouns are in existence to simply make it more easy to refer to a person previously referred to. Thus you can specify both a male person and a female person and refer to them with pronouns without confusing a listener.

Without the social differences being a concern, this leaves only biological differences as a possibly reason. But I still see this as pointless... only reasons I can think up are to do it simply for the "I'm a rebel to society" factor, which isn't really a good reason to do anything, and possibly the "creep out your friends and family" factor, which isn't a terribly good one either. There is also affirmative action, but that's such a dumb reason I'm not going to mention it anymore. I'm really digging at the bottom of the barrel here.

[Tom Flapwell]

I think aesthetics play a part. Some people just think they'll be more comfortable in a man's or woman's body, for reasons not closely linked to society. Given that we live with our bodies 24-7-365, that difference in comfort can mean a lot to them.

Homosexuality should be self-explanatory: gays just find their own sex more sexually appealing. It needn't stem from a desire to rebel.

[Dr. Doog]

so, DCS has decided against surgery. But, does anyone know if they still consider themselves a woman internally?

[Moddex]

so, DCS has decided against surgery. But, does anyone know if they still consider themselves a woman internally?

I think once they come the the conclusion that DCS has, you come to realize that neither one means a thing. That you'd be comfortable in either state regardless of previous conceptions. At least that's what I came to in my short-lived gender crisis. I'm not certain that can fall for the same with others who pull out of the desire to change themselves.

[Dr. Doog]

I mean to ask, does DCS still prefer for me to call her Dana?

[Moddex]

I mean to ask, does DCS still prefer for me to call her Dana?

Perhaps you should ask xym yourself. Not really sure.

[The Donmeister]

Thanks everyone. The "I Read This" link explained everything for me (thanks RK Niner), and now I know the name of my fav. cartoonist again (which is obviously a bonus).

In response to The Mazzter, I would imagine that the reasons differ from person to person. I can think of three possible reasons, although I'm sure there are many more.

Firstly, there are differences biologically between men and women. Excluding the obvious (external) differences, the brain differs between sexes, with men typically being better at spatial tests, and women better at mathematical calculations, to name just one example. There are also massive differences in hormones, which affect the body in a number of ways, and can change the way you think, act and feel. So if a male body is producing female hormones, perhaps this would be a reason to feel this way.

Another reason I can think of is what Tom Flapwell said. I know that I wouldn't feel comfortable in a woman's body, although I can't explain why. I just feel like I belong in my current body. This is likely the reason for many transsexuals feeling the way they do, although science has yet to find an explanation.

I believe there are more differences between the sexes than just societal preconceptions and biological differences, as men and women act, talk and feel differently. Perhaps a transsexual person feels that s/he fits in better with the other sex than his/her original physical sex.

I mean to ask, does DCS still prefer for me to call her Dana?

I believe he prefers to be called David.

I have learned to be happy enough with being David.

Also, I shuddder at the thought of anyone actually changing sex to rebel. That's pretty sad.

[Bocaj Claw]

Hence why I just call xym(?) DCS. That and I feel awkward being on a first name basis.

[Angstwolf]

Good to know. I just haven't been referring to him at all, since I was confused on the matter too.

[Dr. Doog]

I like calling people by their first names, mainly 'cause I was brought up in an environment where you call teachers and stuff by their real name. :O as if that's the reason why I like people's first name.

[Angstwolf]

I like calling people by their first names, mainly 'cause I was brought up in an environment where you call teachers and stuff by their real name. :O as if that's the reason why I like people's first name.

I call my mom "Bleverly." She then proceeds to punch me in the face.